An update. As the optics weren't affected I'd carried on using the lens and finally contacted Alan Marlow (A.M. Technical Services) a week or so before Christmas.

I agreed to send him the lens after the holidays and posted it off on 4th Jan. I've just received it back today (8th Jan) with some damaged zoom rollers replaced. It looks and works exactly as it did before the damage.

Brilliant service and communication throughout. Thanks to those who recommended him.

If you have any, pick on the extrovert characters first. They tend to look on it as a bit of fun and drag the quieter ones out.

If I didn't have one already I'd definitely have it. A fantastic little lens and a good price.

You have a pm

My K3ii grip and 50mm f1.8 are due to arrive today

It look like something Heath Robinson would have designed

The article on http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/38-photographic-technique/236970-perfect-focu... runs through the procedure

Same here

DA 16-45. I wouldn't part with mine

Today my K5 with my 12 - 24 attached fell, only about 9 inches at most, and landed on a rock. The camera seems fine but the lens barrel now has a tight spot. the zoom seems generally smooth but there is significant stiffness between 18 - 20mm.

I'm on holiday until next Wed so haven't got the opportunity to see if the picture quality has been affected.

I'd be grateful if someone could recommend where I can get the lens checked and repaired as necessary and approximately the time taken. I'm of to France for a month in about 7 weeks time and would like it back by then